HEAT Outreach Program has Helped Reduce Reports of Illegally Opened Hydrants
by More Than 60 Percent

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joins the
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Fire Department
(FDNY), and South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO)
to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the
Hydrant Education Action Team (HEAT) program, a fire hydrant abuse prevention campaign. HEAT deploys teams of teens
hired through the DYCD’s Summer Youth Employment program to inform
New Yorkers about the dangers of illegally opening fire hydrants. Illegally
opened fire hydrants release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute
and can reduce water pressure in neighborhoods making it difficult to
fight fires. After 10 years of successful HEAT outreach, reports of illegally
opened hydrants have fallen by more than 60 percent. Hydrants can be opened
legally if equipped with a City-approved spray cap, which releases only
20 to 25 gallons per minute, ensuring adequate water pressure and reducing
the risk that a child could be knocked over and injured by the force of
the water. Spray caps can be obtained by an adult 18 or over, free of
charge, at local firehouses.

“Over the past decade we have had tremendous success spreading the
message about the dangers of illegally opened fire hydrants through our
partnership with communities in northern Manhattan and the Bronx,” said
DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “By reminding people that there is a safe and legal way to use
hydrants to cool off during the hot summer months, the young New Yorkers
who participate in the HEAT program are continuing to help keep their
neighbors and our first responders safe.”

“The Department is proud to take part in this successful program
which has helped improve the safety of our city,” said
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Strong water pressure is critical to effectively fight fires and
the HEAT program helps ensure that resource is not compromised while also
allowing children and people of all ages to safely enjoy the hot summer
months.”

“Over the past 10 years, the HEAT program has helped DYCD’s
Summer Youth Employment Program participants become powerful advocates
in their communities by educating their neighbors on the environmental
and safety hazards of fire hydrant misuse,” said
Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong. “Everyone looks for ways to cool off during the hottest days of
summer, and I am glad our youth are taking on a leadership role in spreading
a very important message while developing essential professional skills
that will help them throughout the summer, during the school year, and
into their adult lives.”

“The Hydrant Education Action Team (HEAT) Program continues to impact
the lives of Bronx and Manhattan residents by educating them on fire hydrant
safety. The HEAT program doesn't intend to stop New York City’s
summer tradition of keeping cool with fire hydrants, but advocates for
the use of spray caps as a safe and legal way to use hydrants,” said
SoBRO HEAT Coordinator Sandy Ramirez.

The HEAT program is run in partnership with the South Bronx Overall Economic
Development Corporation (SoBRO) and deploys four teams of 10–12
young adults who distribute literature, posters, and other informational
materials about fire hydrant safety at community events, parades, greenmarkets,
churches, and libraries. The outreach campaign focuses on neighborhoods
in northern Manhattan and the Bronx that have historically seen high rates
of unauthorized fire hydrant use during heat waves. In addition to literature,
the teams distribute reusable water bottles and other souvenirs that promote
the safe operation of fire hydrants.

SoBro, a not-for-profit community development corporation, has been serving
the South Bronx since 1972. SoBro’s programs include adult education
and workforce training, real estate and community development, technical
and financial assistance for businesses, and an array of programs for
youth. For additional information about SoBro, visit sobro.org.

DYCD supports New York City’s afterschool and youth workforce development
programs throughout the five boroughs. The agency also oversees funding
for anti-poverty programs, such as adult literacy and immigrant services.
For more information, please go to nyc.gov/dycd or follow DYCD on
Facebook and
Twitter.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately
1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents,
including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a
watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19
reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water
mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout
the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations
take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees,
including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has
a robust capital program, with a planned $20.7 billion in investments
over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related
jobs per year. For more information, visitÂ
nyc.gov/dep, like us onÂ
Facebook, or follow us onÂ
Twitter.